This course module provides information and describes skills needed for teaming to make a difference at the school site. Effective school teams go through an evolution as they move toward collaboration and productivity. Facilitating higher functioning and higher efficiency means breaking down barriers such as isolation among teachers, and increasing commitment to the school’s mission and vision.
Effective school teams make a difference for students and teachers in a variety of ways, but before colleagues can function effectively as a team, everyone involved must learn how to be a member of a team. When groups of educators work together, evidence shows that students and teachers flourish academically and socially. Team building is an essential skill that allows educators to capitalize on getting results that produce optimal student success. Teaming combines the expertise of many minds, skills and perspectives. The synergy that results from multiple minds at work is typically more effective than the outcome any one person could achieve.
Many educators work in teams as part of a professional learning community (PLC). Professional learning communities provide an extended learning opportunity to foster collaborative learning among colleagues and are often used in schools to organize teachers into working groups. Due to their specialized focus and nature, professional learning communities are also explored in more detail in the ASAP course modules Creating a Learning Community and Shared Vision.